30 Crazy PredictionsFor the 2015 NFL Season

With the 2015 season approaching (37 days to go) I wanted to give my readers something fun to check out. Below is a list of predictions that, if true, could make this year one of the most memorable seasons ever. This prediction piece is meant to be fun. It's a good way to get away from the seriousness of the game and all of the scandals and suspensions that are currently looming over the league.

Here are my 30 Crazy Predictions for the 2015 NFL Season

1. Lions' Quarterback Matthew Stafford has not thrown for over 30 touchdowns in any of the past three years. In fact, he's only thrown for more than 30 scores just once (41 touchdowns in 2011). This year Stafford will find that 2011 touch again and tally 35 scores in 2015. The University of Georgia product has seen a decrease in passing yards, passing attempts and completions each of the past three years; however, there's reason for hope. Stafford should enter 2015 with a healthy Calvin Johnson and a few new play-makers on the roster including Lance Moore and Ameer Abdullah.

2. The Oakland Raiders will boast a Running Back and Wide Receiver with at least 1,000 yards rushing and receiving respectively this year. The last time the Raiders had a 1,000+ yard Running Back was in 2010 when Darren McFadden tallied 1,157 yards. The last time Oakland had a 1,000+ yard Receiver was in 2005 when Randy Moss posted a 1,005 yard season. 2005 was also the last time they had a Running Back and Wide Out each record 1,000+ yard campaigns (LaMont Jordan rushed for 1,025 yards in 2005). For you Fantasy Football aficionados, I think Latavius Murray, Amari Cooper and Derek Carr will be the beneficiaries of this prediction. I'm a big fan of Carr and I think this year will be somewhat of a coming out party for him.

mercurynews.com

3. Last season I started this article off with a prediction about the Cleveland Browns.

"... Yes, that's a 7-9 season for the Cleveland Browns. The Browns haven't won more than five games in any season since 2007 when they won ten and missed the playoffs. It would be the second time in the past 11 years that the Browns will win more than six games."

It was nice to get one right but last year's success will be this seasons' downfall for Cleveland as they'll be without Brian Hoyer who started all of the games they last year. This year I'm predicting major regression for Lebron James' hometown team. After looking through the schedule I'm predicting the Browns to finish the season with a 2-14 record with their only wins coming against the Cincinnati Bengals and San Francisco 49ers. I have them finishing the 2015 season tied with the Tennessee Titans for the NFL's worst record.

4. Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota will both start week one for their respective ball clubs. The Bucs take on the Titans in Tampa Bay in the season opener. I'm predicting Mariota to have a good rookie campaign throwing for 21 touchdowns and rushing for five more. Titans' Quarterbacks threw for a total of 20 scores last season (Jake Locker threw five, Charlie Whitehurst threw seven and Zach Mettenberger threw for eight). I also think Winston will have a great year but I'll get back to that later on (Hint: #23).

5. J.J. Watt will post another 20+ sack season. In 2014 J.J. Watt became the first player in league history to have two separate seasons with 20 or more sacks. In week 11 of last season he became the first player (since sacks became an official stat) to post a sack, force a fumble, recover a fumble and haul in a touchdown reception in a single game.

6. Eli Manning has the NFL's longest active start streak at 167 games. Only 13 players have ever played in 200 or more consecutive games. One of those 13 players would be Eli's older brother Peyton Manning. Peyton's streak of 208 consecutive starts came when he was a member of the Indianapolis Colts from September 6th, 1998 to January 2nd, 2011. I think Eli will stay healthy and increase that streak to 183 games by the end of the season. I also think Eli will throw for over 4,500 yards for just the second time in his career (2011). Odell Beckham Jr. wil haul in over 1,200 of those yards this season. If Manning can top the 4,500 yard mark he'll move into 12th place on the all-time passing yards list putting him just behind Dan Fouts (43,040 career passing yards) and Drew Bledsoe (44,611 career passing yards) who rank 11th and 10th respectively.

nfl.com

7. In 2014 no team started the season 4-0. It was just the third time ever that no team won it's first four games in the modern era (the other two times were in 1970 and 2010). This year the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers will all win their first four games of the season.

On a side note, the Carolina Panthers became the second team in the modern era to win their division, and host and win a playoff game with a losing record when they finished the season with a 7-8-1 record.

8. Andrew Luck will lead the NFL in passing yards this year with 5,200. Last year the NFL passing leader failed to throw for over 5,000 yards. It was the first time since 2010 the NFL passing leader failed to surpass the 5,000 yard mark. Drew Brees has led the NFL in passing yards five of the last nine seasons (including last year). I also think Ben Roethlisberger and Matt Ryan will surpass the 5,000 yard mark this season.

9. In week five of last year the Cleveland Browns overcame a 28-3 deficit in their 29-28 victory over the Tennessee Titans. It was the largest comeback by a road team in NFL history. This year that record will be broke as one team will overcome a 28 point deficit at some point this season. If I had to guess, I'd say the Atlanta Falcons are prime candidates for this one as they have the best combination of poor pass defense and the high octane passing offense that's needed to complete such a comeback.

10. In this year's Predictions' article I wanted to give you a group of players that ranked outside the Top 30 at their respective positions last season that have a chance to be inside the Top 15 this season.

QuarterbacksCarson Palmer

Running BacksDarren McFaddenBishop Sankey

Wide ReceiversVincent JacksonMartavis BryantAndre Johnson

Tight EndsKyle RudolphEric EbronGarrett Graham

I can't make any guarantees with any of these names, I just think they are all high-upside Fantasy Football plays this year. I'm going to target all of them late in my drafts.

11. Peyton Manning will throw for over 4,000 yards this year to climb into first place on the NFL's all-time list for career passing yards. Manning needs just 2,137 yards to tie Brett Favre for first place. If Manning throws for at least 4,000 yards this year it'll end up being his 15th such season. In fact, Manning has failed to hit the 4,000 yard mark just twice in his career (1998 and 2005). My only advice on Peyton this year is to be careful where you draft him in your Fantasy leagues.

12. I have the San Francisco 49ers projected to finish the season with a 3-13 record - a far cry from where they were just a few years ago. It would be their worst record since they finish the 2004 season with a 2-14 record. From 2011 to 2013 the 49ers had a 36-11-1 combined record. That stretch included one Super Bowl appearance and three straight NFC Conference Championship appearances.

13. The Miami Dolphins will be this year's surprise team. I think the Dolphins will finish the season with double digit wins. Their Quarterback Ryan Tannehill will be in the MVP discussion all season long as he'll top the 4,000 passing yard mark for the second consecutive season. I think Tannehill will throw for 35 touchdowns and a career low 10 picks. I think Tannehill would be a great late rounder to snag in drafts this year. He'd fit my Draft Strategy perfectly as my back-up QB sometime around the 12th or 13th round.

14. Rex Ryan will thrive in Buffalo taking over a defense that ranked 3rd in passing defense, 11th in rushing defense and 4th in points allowed last season and turning them into the undisputed #1 defense in the league this year.

15. Chip Kelley's system will appear to be the "next greatest thing" at the beginning of the season as they start the year winning four of their first five games. I have them going 4-7 to finish the year as fatigue and an increasingly difficult schedule will slow them down late in the Fall. That's an 8-8 record which, as you'll find out a little later, will have them outside of the playoff picture.

16. The San Diego Super Chargers will trade Philip Rivers to the New York Jets for Quarterback Bryce Petty, Wide Receiver Jeremy Kerley and a 2016 2nd round pick. Philip is in the final year of his current contract and has made it publicly clear that he doesn't want to move to Los Angeles if the Chargers decide to relocate there after the 2015 season comes to an end. Philip is originally from Decatur, Alabama but has an off season home in Tennessee. Rivers has the second most passing yards and passing touchdowns in Chargers' history. He's 6,385 passing yards and two touchdowns behind Dan Fouts who ranks first in both categories.

Yup, the Bolo Tie will show up in the big apple this year.

pintrest.com/nfl

17. Sticking with the trade theme, I think the Dallas Cowboys will trade for Minnesota Vikings' Running Back Adrian Peterson. The move would benefit both Peterson, who is originally from Palestine, Texas, and the Vikings. Peterson would be able to get a new start on a contender while the Vikings would get a major package in return for his services. In order for this deal to work the Cowboys would have to send their 2016 1st round pick as well as Cornerback Orlando Scandrick and Defensive End DeMarcus Lawrence to Minnesota.

18. After the Peterson deal is made the Vikings will be in need of a Running Back. I think they'll look inside the division for his replacement. I'm predicting the Vikings to make a move for Chicago Bears' Running Back Matt Forte. The 29 year old Running Back will bring in a good haul for the Bears but be more valuable in Minnesota where he'll finish the season strong with over 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards. In return, the Bears will receive Running Back Jerick McKinnon and a 3rd and 4th round pick in next year's Draft.

19. A lot has been made of the Kansas City Chiefs' off season improvements, but all the hype will be for nothing as they'll miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season. That means the Chiefs will be missing postseason play for the 14th time in the last 18 seasons.

20. In one of the most memorable final weeks of any NFL season ever, I have the Cincinnati Bengals beating their division rival Baltimore Ravens 24-23 in week 17 to win the second Wild Card spot in the AFC. The Bengals will walk away with the sixth seed due to that win and a list of tie-breakers they'll own over the Ravens, Chiefs and Chargers who I all have finishing the season 9-7.

21. Carson Palmer will win this years' Comeback Player of the Year award. The Cardinals were 6-0 with Palmer under Center last season before an ACL injury ended his season. Carson threw 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions in those six games which included wins over the Cowboys, Rams and Eagles. I also think his coach, Bruce Arians will win the AP Coach of the Year award. It would be his third time winning the award. Only Bill Belichick, Chuck Knox and Don Shula have won the award three or more times.

fansided.com

22. Jameis Winston will win this year Offensive Rookie of the Year award. If Winston wins this award he'll become the second player in the history of the Bucs to win it. The other winner was Carnell "Cadillac" Williams back in 2005. The last six Quarterbacks to win this award include Robert Griffin III (2012), Cam Newton (2011), Sam Bradford (2010), Matt Ryan (2008), Vince Young (2006) and Ben Roethlisberger (2004).

23. Bud Dupree will win this year Defensive Rookie of the Year award. If Dupree wins this award he'll become the fourth player in the history of the Steelers to win it. The other three being Joe Greene in 1969, Jack Lambert in 1974 and Kendrell Bell in 2001.

24. Regular Season Standings:

AFC NorthSteelers 12-4Bengals 9-7Ravens 9-7Browns 2-14

AFC SouthColts 13-3Texans 9-7Jaguars 3-13Titans 2-14

AFC EastDolphins 11-5Patriots 11-5Bills 7-9Jets 6-10

AFC WestBroncos 11-5Chargers 9-7Chiefs 9-7Raiders 5-11

NFC NorthPackers 14-2Lions 7-9Vikings 5-11Bears 3-13

NFC SouthPanthers 10-6Falcons 8-8Saints 6-10Buccaneers 5-11

NFC EastCowboys 13-3Giants 8-8Eagles 8-8Redskins 1-15

NFC WestSeahawks 13-3Cardinals 12-4Rams 10-649ers 3-13

25. The 2015 NFL MVP will be Andrew Luck. He would be the first Colt to win the award since Peyton Manning won it back in 2009. Manning also won the award in 2008, 2004 and 2003. Luck would be just the second player to win the award for the Colts since they moved to Indianapolis from Baltimore in 1984. There were three Baltimore Colts that won the award before the move to Indianapolis. Those three were Bert Jones (1976), Earl Morrall (1968) and Jhonny Unitas (1967, 1964 and 1959).

* Will own tiebreaker over Miami due to a better conference record.** Will own tiebreaker with a week eight win over Seattle.

27. Here's how I have the Wild Card round playing out...St. Louis Rams @ Seattle SeahawksThese two would have just faced each other in week 16 in Seattle. The much improved Rams won't be able to handle the Seahawks in Seattle. I have the Seahawks winning this game 27-16.

Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina PanthersIn a rematch of last year's Wild Card game (Panthers won 27-26) the Arizona Cardinals, with a healthy Carson Palmer, will dismantle the Panthers by two touchdowns. I have Arizona advancing with a 28-14 victory.

New England Patriots @ Miami DolphinsA great regular season will end up being the Dolphins playoff downfall as they'll host the Patriots in January in sunny Miami. The Pats have won three of their last four games playing in warm weather stadiums in December, January and February combined. I have the Patriots beating the Dolphins 31-23 advancing to the Divisional Round for the sixth straight season.

28. Here's how I have the Divisional round playing out...Denver Broncos @ Pittsburgh Steelers We've seen Peyton Manning struggle in cold weather stadiums in December and January in the past so there's little-to-no reason to think he'll figure things out now. I think the Steelers run away with this one 35-23.

New England Patriots @ Indianapolis Colts I'm expecting no mercy in the "Deflate-Gate" rematch. I think the Colts take out some frustration with this one winning 48-31. Andrew Luck will throw for five touchdowns.

Arizona Cardinals @ Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers at home in the postseason is money. Since the start of the 2009 season the Packers have lost just three home games in December and January combined. I'm taking the Packers 31-19.

Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas CowboysIn what's becoming a budding rivalry, the Seahawks will avenge their week 8 loss to the Cowboys winning a close one in overtime 31-28.

29. Here's how I have the Conference Championships playing out...Pittsburgh Steelers @ Indianapolis ColtsHome field advantage could play a huge role in this one as the Steelers have not won a playoff game on the road since 2005 when they won three straight road playoff games with then Sophomore Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Hall of Fame Running Back Jerome Bettis en route to winning Super Bowl XL. I'm taking the Colts to win this game 31-27.

Seattle Seahawks @ Green Bay PackersIn a rematch of last year's NFC Championship game, I'm expecting the Packers to come out strong and finish even stronger. In last year's NFC Championship game the Packers got out to a 16-0 lead but scored just two field goals in the second half. They eventually lost in overtime 28-22. This year I think Aaron Rodgers and company will learn from last seasons' blunder and win handedly, 30-20.

30. The 2015 Super Bowl winner will be...

Indianapolis Colts vs. Green Bay PackersSuper Bowl 50 is scheduled to take place on Sunday February 7th, 2016 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It'll be a homecoming of sorts for Andrew Luck, the University of Stanford graduate. It's interesting to note that the Packers have not won a game at a San Francisco stadium since 2006 when Brett Favre was their starter and the venue was Monster Park (Candlestick Park).

I'm taking the Indianapolis Colts to win what will be known as the "Golden Super Bowl" 34-28. Andrew Luck will throw for three touchdowns and win Super Bowl MVP honors.

sportsworldreport.com

If you have any other predictions you'd like to add, or if you have questions, feel free to post them in the comment section below.